Waiting for Mashiach

There is a verse in the Torah that describes the time when Hashem will eliminate the nations living in Israel. It follows with the words, וירשת אתם וישבת בארצם, “And you will inherit them, and dwell in their land” (דברים 12:29).

The Sifrei comments that from here we learn that the Mitzva of settling in Israel, is equal to all of the Mitzvot of the Torah. The simple explanation being that there are many Mitzvot that can only be observed in Israel.

It is interesting to note that the Torah Temima, who lived around 120 years ago, when Israel was desolate, brought up the argument between the Ramban and Rambam, regarding this Mitzva.

The opinion of the Ramban was that settling in Israel, is one of the 613 commandments, and applies at all times. The Rambam, as explained by the Torah Temima, said that settling Israel was applicable only before the Jewish people were sent into exile. But now that we are in Galut, this Mitzva is no longer applicable until the Mashiach comes.

Sadly, this opinion is still held by many religious Jews. But I wonder what the Torah Temima would have said, had he seen the miracle of today’s Israel.

I would like to think that his answer would be something like the following: The open miracles witnessed today, as well as the fulfillment of numerous prophecies, no longer places the Jewish people in the status of Galut, Exile. We are in the period of Mashiach, and every Jew needs to come home to Israel.

People need to allow their consciences to guide them to do what is right in the eyes of Hashem.